Key case



May 16, 1933. c. H. HowE 1,908,846

KEY CASE Filed June l5. 1931 IN V EN TOR. UAR/.HMH H0 WE A TTORNE YS.

Patented May 16, 1933 PATENT oFFlcE CARLETON-HOWAED HOWE, ,OF WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO BUXTON,

INCORPORATED, OF SPRINGFIELD, 'MASSACHUSETT A CORPORATION -OF IlllASSA.-`

CHUSETTS KEY CASE Application led June 15, 1931. Serial No. 544,432.

This invention relates to improvements in key cases and, morel particularly, to the means for securingv the key holding hooks in the case.

The invention is an improvement on that of my copending application for U. S. Letters Patent, filed November 17, 1930, under Serial No. 496,197.

The invention has for vvan object the provision of a simplified and improvedmounting for the reciprocable locking device which holds the key holders in place in their support, characterized by a better and less bulky 'article and one more attractive in appear- `lance.

"Wlhe invention also has for an object the provision of means, such for example as a spring, for holding the locking device in locking position. l

The invention also has for an object the provision of a manually operable member for moving thelocking device against 'the biasing influence of the spring, into position for removal or replacement of the key holders and for holding it in such position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a construction for the purpose, which can be readily manufactured by simple methods and at low cost.

Other objects will appear as the detailed description proceeds and will be pointed out in the appended claims'.

The invention will be disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawing, in Which:-

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a key case embodying the invention,-the case being` shownin open position;

ig. 2 is a fragmentary view, taken similarly to Fig. 1, but drawn to a larger scale to show the details of the key holder suport; p Figs. 3 and 4 are top plan views of the key holder support, showing the same in posii tion for insertion or removal of the key holders and in position for locking the key holders against removal, respectively;

Figs. .5, 6 and 7 are sectional views taken on the lines 5 5, 6-6 and 7-7 respectively, 'of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is an elevational view of the locking device;

Fig. 9 is a sectional View taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view, taken similarly to Fig. 2, showing a modification in the means for moving the locking slide;

Fig. -11 is an end elevational v1ew ofthe device shown in Fig. 10; and

` Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 10 but showing the locking slide moved to and locked in position for removal of the key holders.

Referring to the drawing; the body of the case is designated 10. The ease may be of any desired form as this invention is concerned only with the means for fastening the key holders in place therein. As shown, the case is of usual form comprising a strip .of leather or the like affording a central section a: and two flaps @which may be folded over and upon the central section in overlapping relation to enclose the key holders and which may be secured together in such relation by interengageable snap fastener elements c.

The key holders are shown at 11 and may be of any suitable form.- l As shown, they are in the form of snap hooks, each having 'a y shank 12 and an enlarged and approximately ball-shaped head 13. One or more (four as shown) of these key holders are mounted in the tubular part 14 of a metal support suitably secured, as by rivets 15, to the body 10 of the key case. This tubular part has a substantially semi-cylindrical front wall.

16 and an integrally connected back wall 17 which may, although it need not, be a. continuation in part of the cylindrical surface and which extends beyond the tubular portion to form a plate-like part- 18. The lower end of the front wall 16 is turned in to abut plate 18 at its ends, leaving between these.

sirable, important and preferred, it is not indispensable and the advantages of this inv vention may be secured, at least in part, if

, the key ho ers simpl swing and are restrained from swivelllng movement.

Thus far, the key case structure is of usual form, except for the slot 19, the purpose of which will later appear. In accordance With this invention', there is provided at one point in each slot 20, preferably at the upper end thereof, an enlargement 21 which is of such size and shape as to permit the head 13 of the key holder to pass therethrough. The

support, comprising thetubular portion .14, may be completely formed prior to insertlon of the key holders,-the latterl being later assembled therein by passing their heads through the enlargements 21.

The problem of thel invention is to provide a satisfactory means for locking the heads 13 of the key holders in place in the tubular member 14. For this purpose, the

:device shown in Fig. 8 is provided. This device consists of a plate-like slide piece 22 whichlies within the tubular support 14 and, against the back plate 18 thereof. The slide' 22 has extensions 23 which extend out -of the support 14 through slot 19 and are slidably engaged therewith. This preventsv upward movement of the slide in the support 15 and downward movement 1s prevented by thelower edges 25 resting .on and sliding on the unslotted lower portlons of the support which form the abutments 24. It will thus be seen that the slide is held against vertical movement or any other movement except in a longitudinal direction. The slide 22 is provided at its upper end with a series of projections; 26, one for each key holder 11, and these projections, as will be clear from Fig. 4, normally cover the enlargements 21 to an extent sufficient to prevent -passage of the heads 13 ofthe key holders therethrough. Intermediate these projections 26, the upper edge of the slide is recessed, as at 27, or in any other suitable way, so that when the slide is shifted far enough to carry the projections 26 out of registration withthe enlargements 21, the latter will be unobstructed, as clearly shown in Fig. 3. The heads 13 of the key holders may then be removed or inserted in the tubular member.

For limiting the movement of the slide 22, the lug extensions 23 and abutments 24 are provided, as above described. The engagement of the left hand lug 23 with the left hand abutment 24 defines the correct relative position of the parts in which the recesses 27 in the slide 22 will register perfectly with the enlargements 21 as shown in Fig. 3. The right hand lug 23 byits engagement with the right hand abutment 24, limits the movement of the slide in the opposite direction and defines its correctposition. for locking the key holders,-that is the position of Fig. 4 in which the projections 26 are in covering relation with the enlargements. A spring 28serves to hold slide 22 in locking position but it may be moved against the force of spring 28 by a finger piece 29 formed on one end of the slide. Spring 28 is supported at its ends on tongues 30 and 31, one (30) being an extension of the right hand lug 23 and the other (31) being struck up from the opening in plate 18.

In Figs. 10 to 12 there is shown a modiication of the means for moving the locking slide 22. -At one end, the slide 22 is provided With a downward extension 33 which passes through an extension of the slot 19,-the left 'hand Vabutment 24 being omitted. A cam 34, pivoted at 35 to plate 18 has an operating handle 36, normally extending vertically as shown in Fig. l0. The upper end of this handle may be bent over in rounded form and corrugated, as at 37, to4 enable it to be easily moved when engaged by the finger of the operator. The slide 22 is held in normal and locking position by the spring 28 as before. On swinging handle 36 downwardly, cam 34 will engage part 33and move it with slide 22 to the left. When handle 36 is moved into the the slide 22 will be locked in the position shown in Fig. 3, allowing the operator to remove and replace key holders without givlng any of his attention to the matter of holding the slide 22 in position. The cam 34 accurately locates the slide in proper position for removal` of the key holders and holds it in such position against return movement by spring 28.

The operation will be clear from the foregoing description but there are some aspects of the invention that may be clearer from special mention. For example, the key holder support, as shown, is substantially of the same general form, style and appearance as the commercial structure now in wide use.

position shown in Fig. 12,

The addition'of the locking slide 22 has been' effected without materially altering the app earance of the support and without mateportion thereof.. Such portion is kept of the same small diameter essential fora ke case of the desiredthin form which readi y lits the pocket. In this connection', it is to be noted that the support, as shown in Figs. 2 to 6, is drawn double size. This result is effected by a locking device which follows along one wall only of the tubular support and preferably as shown along the back wall.

herev is usually room at such location in the old style key case for the reception of the slide to make room inthe old construction for the additional element. Were the locking device to follow completely around the inner periphery ofthe portion 14, an increase in its diameter would be necessary. Here, the inside area of the tube 14 is restricted, if at all, only by a singlethickness of the metal comprising.,r the locking device and this,'be cause of its construction, maybe made relatively thin and yet retain suflicient strength for its purpose. So also, location of the slide 22, it 1s maintained out G and does not interfere at all with their normal movements and need not necessarily even be engaged thereby. Also, the construction ofthe device is so simple that it is readily manufactured by punch press methods.

It is4 to be noted that the slots 20 do not extend to the edge of the metal piece from which support 14 is formed'. The cylindrical parts on opposite sides of each slot 20 are tied together by a-solid piece of metal at both ends of the slot. This is a feature of importance as minimizing the likelihood of the walls. of service suiiciently to allow a` head 13 to pass therethrough. As a matter of fact, key holders have dropped out accidentally from just this cause in prior structures, wherein the walls of the slots 20 were tied together at one end only. y

In the standard key case construction, it has been the practice to assemble the key h olders in the support prior to the completlon of its formation. Azplate having a series of parallel slots extending from one edge inwardly is used for the support. The slotted part of this plate is rolled into roughly cylindrical form but, before being completely rolled down, the key holders are inserted. The present constructionenables the support tol be completely formed prior to lthe insertion of the key holders. Then, by pushing slide 22 into the positionshown in Fig. 3,the heads 13 of thekey'holders may be placed within the tube 14, afterv which they are locked in -place bythe simple act enable these results 22 and no noticeable increase in di# The present locking means, operatingl by ameter of the tubular portion 14 is necessary` by the describedA A Y tion, the mounting of of the way of the heads of the key holders b a slot spreading apart in of4 pushing the 4slide 22 into the position shown in Fig. 4. This construction also re-.. sultsv in an advantage tothe user, enabling rially increasing the diameter of the tubular h 1m to remove and replace key whenever desired. Broken key holders may be removed and replaced quickly and conveniently. Also, the user may shift the key holders with the attached keys inthe key case, or substitute one for another, to suit his own desires. He may remove key holders carrying keys' that are notimmediately needed, 'replacing them later only when they are likely to be fused. There is a demand in vthe trade for a key case which will to be obtained.

holders ja. longitudinal slidmg movement, is effectlve for its ment ofthe shifting them The lockin it does not and keys. This also avoids the possibility lpresent in the old construction, that move# ment of the parts mio'ht be interfered with and restrained `by a eyl catching on some obstructiona or by 'entanglement of the keys. s distinguishedfrom my prior applica-- the locking devicev has een materially simplified and improved. A less bulky structure and tive in'appearance has been provided. In addition, the locking slide is definitely biased to and held in locking position. It cannot readily be moved by accident or inadvertence into holders. Also, arrangement of Fig. 12 provides for holding the locking slide against the biasingspring, in position for release of the key holders.

The invention has been disclosed herein,

in an embodiment at present preferred, for

illustrative purposes, but they scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description.

What I claim isz- 1. In a key case, a transverse slot with an enlargement at one point therein, turnably mounted within said support and a shank extending out of the latter through said slotl and reely movable therein, said head being of a size to pass freely through said enlargement but not. through said slot, means independent of said support gitudinally shiftable thereon from one position to another to prevent or permit passage, respectively, -of the head of the key holder through said enlargement, and resilient means vfor returning said shiftable means to and normally holding it inone of said positions.

2. In a key case, a tubular support having a transverse slot with an enlargement at one point therein, a` key holder having .a head one far more attrac position to release thev key vas a convenience, theI caml a tubular supportV having a keyholder having' a head and lonturnably mounted shank extendin 'silient means for returning said shiftable means to and normally holding it in position to prevent passage of the key holder through said enlargement.

3. In a key case, a tubular support having a transverse slot with an enlargement at one point therein, a key holder having a head turnably mounted within said support and a shank extending out of the latter through said slot and freely movable therein,

said head being of a size to passvfreely Vthrough said enlargement but not through yturnably mounted within tions, and

said enlargement lin adjacent said part said slot, means independent of said support and longitudinally shiftable thereon from one position to another to prevent or permit passage, respectively, of the head of the -key holder through said enlargement, resilient means for moving-said shiftable means to and normally holding it in one of said positions, and means for positively holding said shiftable means in the other of said positions against thel action of said resilientA means.

4. In a key case, a tubular support having a.l transverse slot with an enlargement at one point therein, a key holder having a head said support and a shank extending out of the latter through said slot and freely movable therein, saidhead being of a size to pass freely through means independent of said support and longitudinally shiftable thereon from one position to another to prevent or permit passage, respectively, of the head of the key holder through said enlargement, resilient means for moving said shiftable means to' and normally holding it in one of said posieans for moving said shiftable means against the action of said resilient means into the other of said positions and postively holding it in such position.

`5. A 'key holder support, comprising, a plate-like part having one end rolled over to -form a substantially ltubular portion, said portion having a longitudinal groove thereand having also a transverse slot with an enlargement at one point, therein,`a key holder having a head turnably mounted within the tubular portion and of a size to pass freely through said enlargement but not through said slot and having also a shank extending out-ofsaid portion throughv said slot and freely movable therein, and a locking device mounted to slide but not` through said slot,

on said lugs,

of the head therethrough, said device being movable to another position to carry said part out of covering relation with said enlargement. v v

6. A key holder support, comprising, a plate-like Ypart having one end rolled over to form a substantially tubular portion, said portion having a longitudinal groove therein adjacent said part and having also a transverse slot with an enlargement at one point therein, a key ably mounted within the tubular portion and of a size to pass freely through said enlargement but not through said slot and having also a shank extending out of said portion through said slot and freely movable therein, a locking device mounted `to slide longitudinally within said .portion and having an extension slidably received in said groove an'd extending out of said tubular portion, and a spring acting between said holder having a head turn- Y plate and extension tending to hold the latter at one end of said slot, said device having a part effective in one position of said device to cover the enlargement suiiicently to prevent passage of the head therethrough, said device being movable to another position to carry said part out of covering relation. with said enlargement.v

7. A key holder support, comprising, a 'plate having projecting from one edge a pair of spaced lugs one near each end thereof and having the part adjacent such edge rolled over to form a substantially tubular portion with said lugs abutting the body of the plate thereby forming a closed slot between the lugs, said tubular portion having a slot therein disposed transversely of its axis with an enlargement at one point in the slot, and a locking device longitudinally slidable within said portion and disposed contiguous with the back wall thereof with the ends of its lower edge slidably supported said device having guiding means extending-into said first named slot to limit its longitudinal movement by abutment withone or the other of said lugs, said device when in one positior serving to cover saida enlargement and when in another position to uncover said enlargement.

. 8. In a key case, a support comprising a Vplate with a portion adjacent one edge rolled portion through said slot and adapted by abutment said havingguiding means projecting l sage of such head.

with the ends of the slot to limit the extent of longitudinal movement of the device, said tubular portion having a transverse slot with an enlargement at one point therein, Q and a key holder having a head turnably mounted within said tubular portion of a size to pass freely through said enlargement but not through said slot, said device when in one of its extreme positions preventing passage of the head of .the keyf holder through said enlargement and when in its other extreme position permitting such pasf 'In testimony whereof I have aixed my signature. y CARLETON HOWARD HOWE. 

